Libyan authorities uncovered a mass grave in which ISIS buried the 21 Coptic Christians they beheaded on camera, and the government will return the bodies to their families.

Libya’s Ministry of the Interior found the grave in the town of Sirte, once held by ISIS militants, after a former captive of ISIS provided the location of the bodies, according to Christian Today. ISIS kidnapped the 21 Christians between Dec. 2014 and Jan. 2015, beheaded them on a Libyan beach in Feb. 2015, and published a video of the execution for the world to see.

Heads - Bodies - Orange - Jumpsuits - Hands

“The heads are separated from the bodies clad in orange jumpsuits, hands bound behind the back with plastic wire,” the Interior Ministry said.

Authorities identified 20 Egyptian men among the bodies as well as one man of unknown African origin. The image of the 21 Coptic Christians, now hailed as martyrs, became a church icon and inspired a strengthening of faith among Christians, according to Bishop Anba Angaelos of the U.K. Coptic Church.

Tool - Violence - Division - Platform - Everyone

“The same tool used to try and magnify violence and division actually became a platform for everyone to see the strength of their faith,” Angaelos told CT.

“An even stronger and more inconceivable message of forgiveness came from their families and communities,” Angaelos added. “They rejected the temptation to become bitter, angry and vengeful, and inspired the world with their gracious and courageous sentiment.

Libyan - Authorities - DNA - Identification - Tests

Though Libyan authorities did not conduct any DNA identification tests on the remains, the families of the 21 martyrs will officially identify...